Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Jonnu Smith

Wednesday, October 22, 11:49 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has been a steady contributor this season, recording 23 catches for 229 yards and four touchdowns across seven games. Ertz's role has expanded over the last two weeks, as he's recorded nine catches for 80 yards and two scores on 13 targets. The Commanders are dealing with injuries to wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel), Terry McLaurin (quad), and Noah Brown (groin, knee), which have aided Ertz's recent production. Washington will definitely be without Brown and could once again be without Samuel Sr. and McLaurin in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, so Ertz could be set for another game with a featured role. It's worth noting that all four of Ertz's touchdown catches this season have come in games started by Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring), whose status for Week 8 is unclear. Still, Ertz profiles as a high-floor low-end starting tight end option for fantasy managers in Week 8.

Friday, October 17, 9:35 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith caught three of his six targets for 28 yards and a touchdown in Thursday night's 33-31 loss at Cincinnati. It was Smith's first touchdown since Week 1 and also tied for the most targets in a game since then. Smith didn't have the flashiest night among Pittsburgh tight ends, with Pat Freiermuth exploding for 111 yards and two touchdowns on five catches. They both took advantage of a leaky Bengals defense, and one that struggled against tight ends. Still, the weekly volume isn't high for Smith, and he's reliant on finding the end zone to return fantasy value.